The death of Robert "Bob" Osborne Barry occurred at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Frank and Leitha (Hawkes) Barry and the husband of Valerie (Nearin) Barry. Bob worked for CP and CN Railway as supervisor and manager of CN Express at the time of his retirement. Bob was a very gifted piano musician. In 1948, he joined the Earl Mitton and the Valley Rhythm Boys band and enjoyed many happy years playing for dances and jamborees as well as performing on TV and radio. In the late 1960's to early 1970's, Bob formed a trio with Al Goguen and Al Troy. They played at various clubs throughout New Brunswick until the mid '70's when he joined Lloyd Crawford's five-piece band. He later joined the Audrey Hanson Band in 1981. Bob enjoyed the past 17 fun-filled years playing with the group at various functions and found it to be very rewarding entertaining the shut-ins at nursing homes and hospitals. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. He was also the Senior Choir Director of St. Anthony's Catholic Church for over 55 years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, leaving a legacy of love and music to his wife and children who will sadly miss him. Survived by his loving wife, Valerie of 57 years; their children, Theresa Mills (Wayne) of Fredericton, Susan Lynch (Mike) of Fredericton, Brian Barry (Linda) Montague, PEI, Sharon Cormier (Leonard) of Fredericton, David Barry of Calgary, AB and Maureen Williams (Mike) of Fredericton; grandchildren, Erin James, Chelsea Sherwood, Matthew Lynch, Scott Barry and Chrissy Barry, Andrew and Shawn Cormier, Justin and Morgan Barry, Ryan and Samantha Williams; one foster sister, Anne O'Hara of Montreal.
Visitation will be held at McAdam's Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Thursday, July 1st, 2010 at 11:00 am with Rev. Monte Peters as Celebrant. Interment will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial tributes may be made in Bob's memory to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Palliative Care Unit or the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences in Bob's memory may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com